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Retired squadron leader Terrance Devey Smith, from Melbourne, Derbyshire, was guest of honour at RAF Cranwell for the rehearsal event.

The college at RAF Cranwell represented Buckingham Palace as more than 30 aircraft, including a Lancaster bomber, took part in the practice run.

He said it was "humbling for us" to deliver the flypast for the King, who spent time as a student at RAF Cranwell.

RAF Officer Training Academy at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire was graded as "requiring improvement" over "inadequate" facilities.

One senior recruitment officer, a female group captain, has already resigned her post in protest after recruitment at RAF Cranwell was slowed down to look at ways of boosting diversity.